Ellie Pennybacker

Ellie Pennybacker is committed to building resilient, well-resourced communities. Originally from central Georgia, Ellie is a champion of equity-centered initiatives that leverage local knowledge and expand access to economic development ecosystems. A passionate nonprofit professional, she has worked across housing, aging services, philanthropy, communications, and public-sector research, gaining a broad perspective on how diverse institutions can align resources and expertise to support community well-being—particularly in rural areas.

Ellie has led strategic planning processes, managed complex public and philanthropic funding portfolios, and guided organizations in using data to improve service delivery and long-term sustainability. As Executive Director of Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, she introduced new revenue streams and restructured the organization to achieve a 240% increase in program service delivery. Her professional and lived experiences have shaped her passion for partnering with nonprofits and local governments to develop and implement strategic plans, with a focus on innovative housing solutions, sustainable financing, and holistic community development.

Ellie serves on the board of the Southern Sustainability Institute and was a founding member of the Jackson County Housing Taskforce. She holds an M.P.A. from the University of Georgia, with a focus on Nonprofit Management, and a B.A. in Anthropology from Davidson College. Ellie lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband, Bradley, and their dog, Bruno. She enjoys traveling, visiting family, and staying engaged in local events